Tuesday Tales: Sitting Down with Andyrsn

Fortunately, it's still Tuesday!


I just remembered that I'm supposed to be posting today. It's been a busy one for me! I hope everyone is getting some warm weather. It hit the 70s here today, and for once, I don't mind it in the Winter. This one was HARSH.


Anyway, I was asking some character questions, and I think I'll choose Andyrsn to answer this time around.

Hey, guys!

What words or phrases do you overuse?
Andyrsn: I don't know if I have one that I use too much . . . I think I have more physical quirks than verbal. I scratch my head when I'm nervous or feeling awkward. I try not to do it, but at this rate it can't be helped.


How do you display affection?
Andyrsn: I'm a hugger. I'm from Viveno Island. It can't be helped.


How do you want to be seen by others?
Andyrsn: I'd like to hope I'm living up to my dad's legacy. He was such an icon, though, so I can't be sure. I at least want people to see me as a good man.


How do you think others see you?
Andyrsn: They think I goof off too much, I'm sure. I just like to keep the mood light. If it involves a prank or two, hopefully they laughed.


How do you react to praise?
Andyrsn: I don't know if it's just me, or maybe it's a Watchman thing, but I'd rather not be put on the spot. I mean, I'd say thank you, but I never know how to act after, and my segues aren't the greatest, so it just gets weird.


How do you react to criticism?
Andyrsn: Now that is something I can work with. It helps me improve, so I like to hear it. Bring on whatever you've got.


What is your perception of family?
Andyrsn: My family is everything to me. My brothers have been all I've had for years, and I know they'd do just about anything for me and the other way around. Where we come from, you've really gotta appreciate who you have because they can be gone the next minute.


What advice would you give your younger self?
Andyrsn: Crazy that I would have to say this, but loosen up! You'll grow into your . . . everything! Just be more confident and let loose.

Tuesday Tales: Sitting Down with Jonnie

It is time for the first Tuesday Tales of 2018! I have set aside the 3rd Tuesday of the month to share tales about my project Fractured Princess and speak to the characters when they a moment free. I liked the questions I had Jonnie and Cyan answer about Cyan last month, so I thought I would have Jonnie answer them about herself this time around. Let's see what she has to say.

Hi again!

Hi, Jonnie.


What words or phrases do you overuse?
Jonnie: Well, I suppose I always counter my own thoughts, so I say "howbeit" more than most. I like to see both sides to an argument, howbeit. Damn it all!


How do you display affection?
Jonnie: Though I make sure I know them very well before I do so, I like to hold hands or hug. It makes me feel warm.


How do you want to be seen by others?
Jonnie: I want others to see me as strong, independent.


How do you think others see you?
Jonnie: Hm . . . I believe most see me as child-like, certainly carefree.


How do you react to praise?
Jonnie: I love it! *laughs* I don't have many chances to try things out for myself, so when I'm doing well, I love the encouragement.


How do you react to criticism?
Jonnie: I don't love it as much, but I understand its necessity. If no one ever corrected anyone, where would we be?


What is your perception of family?
Jonnie: Family is . . . the people you would die for, and the people without whom you would die anyway.


What advice would you give your younger self?
Jonnie: Never look back. Always move forward. You can do it.




That's all from Jonnie for this week. I hope it's warmed up for some of you. We've gone from single digits and below-zero winds to a pleasant 27 degrees. Ha!

Tuesday Tales: Sitting Down with Cyan

Merry Day After Christmas! It's time for another Tuesday Tales Q&A with one of my characters! This time, I'm holding onto Cyan's legs so he can't get away (though Jonnie might answer for him anyway). I took today's questions from The Ultimate Character Questionnaire. It's a huge list, so anyone with Microsoft can download it.

All right. Hi, Cyan!

 

Cyan: . . . Hi.
Jonnie: Stop frowning! This will be quick.

 

Jonnie, what words or phrases does Cyan overuse?
Jonnie: He likes to curse things *laughs*. He says "The damned of you" all the time.

How does he display affection?
Jonnie: You'd be surprised how affectionate he is! He is a hugger. He also likes to touch the top of my head.

Cyan: Teorre. I don't like to; 'tis just a habit.

Cyan, how do you want to be seen by others?
Cyan: I would like for them to see me as a good Watchman. People have been watching my progress since I was a kid, so I hope I have made them proud.

Jonnie, how is he seen by others?
Jonnie: Well, I'm biased because he's my big brother, but he is the best! He may get on my nerves at times--

Cyan: Likewise.

Jonnie: --but I know he just wants what's best for me.

How does he react to praise?
Jonnie: Oh, dear Teorre, just don't. He has no idea how to handle compliments. Just say, "Well done," and move on.

How does he react to criticism?
Jonnie: You can tell he doesn't take it well--he frowns and sulks and sometimes talks back. Howbeit, he does consider and incorporate changes as necessary.

Cyan, what is your perception of family?
Cyan: Well, I suppose, family isn't just your blood. 'Tis who you can rely on from day to day and who you would die for.

What advice would you give your younger self?
Cyan: I haven't seen it happen yet, but there must be a day when she will tire herself out, so hang in there.

Jonnie: Easy now!

All right, that's enough out of them haha. There are a bunch of other questions to explore, so I'll probably come back to them next month . . . or should I say NEXT YEAR!?

Tuesday Tales: Hidden Facts with Laris

Happy Third Tuesday! This is the day I've set aside for Q&A with my characters, short stories, and the like. My characters are currently answering a question from these Character Development Questions: What facts about your characters do they prefer to keep hidden? Ghuli* and Andyrsn have already taken a stab at answering, so now I will move on to the next willing character: Laris.




Oh! Hello again!

A hidden fact about myself? Teorre, I do not believe I have any.  'Tis difficult when you are the Prince. Everyone knows everything about you. Well, I suppose this is a not-so-hidden, terribly common fact many of my generation face today: I cannot speak the old Sprityn tongue well.

You see, we Sprites had only occupied our own continent and the Western Crystal Isle, which King Dyeva gave to us after the Crystal War ended, until the Sprityn-Trollic Treaty, and so, my people only spoke Sprityn and Crystalline. My grandfather was King at the time of the Treaty. He thought it best to teach my father the Common Language so that he could communicate with the Trollics and the Humans who emigrated to the Isle. This proved even better when Sprites migrated further south into the Life Continent. Many in the north speak a hybrid of Sprityn and the Common Language.

When all settles on Teorre, I plan to reinstate the study of the old Sprityn language, so that it does not die with me.



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I speak Spanglish haha. Is there anything language you would like to learn? I want to learn ASL. I used to be really into it, but it fell off (I think because of Spanish lol).





*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Tuesday Tales: Hidden Facts with Andyrsn

We're back to the third Tuesday! This is the day I've set aside for Q&A with my characters, short stories, and the like. Two months back, Ghuli* answered a question from these Character Development Questions: What facts about your characters do they prefer to keep hidden? The majority of my supporting cast are soldiers called Watchmen, so I'm sure this is something they all can answer, albeit reluctantly.

I'm actually going to let Andyrsn answer this one next, because he has a hidden fact that I came up with late in the revision stage, and it doesn't come up in the story at all. I'm sure it's something people will ask about, though.

'Sup?

So, I actually don't remember my mom. She left us when I was two, and by the time I was old enough to ask why, my dad had gone off to duty. I did write him once to ask. I didn't really feel like I was missing out on anything--by the time I turned 7, a lot of kids had lost parents to the Contagion, so growing up with less than two became the norm. I was really curious, though. Dad said she just had other ideas of what life should be, so she went to figure it out and never came back. Vague as hell, but I don't think he wanted me to think it was because of me. I don't, but I do wonder what she's doing now and if she's found what she was looking for. It's like, is she still out there searching, or is she not coming back because she's found it, whatever it is? But yeah, that's something I don't talk about with anyone.

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Didn't mean to make it a sad post, but there you have it! See you next week.




*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Liebster Award 2017

 

 

I usually set aside the third week of the month for Tuesday Tales, but I've been nominated for the Liebster Award!! Thank you so much to The Manic Writer Shannon. I was shocked to see that in the comments. It's good to know people actually stop by here lol.

 

Here are the rules for the Liebster:

 

Thank the person who nominated you for the award.

Answer the 11 questions the person asked you.

Nominate 11 people (comment on their blog to let them know)

Ask the people you have nominated 11 questions

 

So, I won't waste anymore time. Let's get into these questions!

1. How did you get started writing? Back in the 1st Grade, they handed out blank books for us all to tell a story in. I told a weird biography/fiction about my older sister lol. But after that, X-Men: The Animated Series came out, and I loved those characters and the stories so much that I tried to do a teenage version for about 7 years. I keep trying to revamp it, but we'll see what happens.
2. What do you love most about being a writer/blogger? I love when fresh new ideas come into my head and I can actually execute them into something tangible on "paper." It's exciting.
3. What do you hate most about it? When the well is dry. lol I don't know if it's because of my age, because I remember writing down countless ideas as a teenager, but now, maybe because the many directions adulthood pulls your mind, the ideas don't flow as well as they used to.
4. If you don’t write full time, how do you manage your writing time and still feel productive? When I have down time at work, I try to sneak in some writing. Wherever or whenever the ideas come, I try to hold onto them long enough for me to write them out.
5. What helps you organize your writing work the most? Organize? What is that word? Is it real? ;) I'm a pantser, so there's almost no organization when I write. Whatever comes comes, no matter where it falls in the plot.
6. Name your inspiration. Another author you look up to? A teacher who encouraged you? Someone else? I discovered Octavia Butler in college, and just to read some of the things she said made me feel great to know it wasn't just me who was thought to be weird for writing speculative fiction. I also look up to N.K. Jemisin; her writing has changed my life and made me so hopeful!
7. If you are having trouble settling down to write what is your go to so you can make it work? See question 4. lol
8. Do you write at home or away from home? If away, where? I write wherever I can.
9. Do you let family read your work? I used to. I'm not sure that they're all that interested anymore.
10. What is your favorite book? Why should I read it? Read The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. Read the whole trilogy! The Broken Kingdoms is my favorite of the three books, but sometimes you need context, so start at The Hundred.
11. What one piece of advice would you offer to someone who just discovered they want to be a writer? Keep writing and start learning.

 

Questions I have for my nominees:

 

1. What was the first thing you remember writing?
2. What was the first book you remember reading?
3. What are you currently reading?
4. Do you like movie adaptations of books? Why or why not?
5. (Might be a trick question, but you never know) Was English your favorite subject in school?
6. What was your very first blog post about?
7. How has your writing evolved since your first story?
8. Name an author you couldn't live without reading.
9. Where is your favorite place to read?
10. Where is your favorite place to write?
11. When it comes to writing/blogging where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

 

And now, my nominees...

1. The Book Babe
2. Stephen Tremp
3. Dani @ Entertaining Interests
4. Jackie @ Bouquet of Books
5. Sarah @ The Faux Fountain Pen
6. EdgyAuthor Heather Holden
7. Diana Wilder
8. Molly Blaisdell
9. Joyce Alton
10. Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption 
11. Donna McDine!



Tuesday Tales: Hidden Facts with Ghuli*

*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

It's the third Tuesday of the month again! This has been a long four weeks. For a second I could neither remember what I posted last month nor think of anything to post for this one. Then, I remembered Q&As and went to searching. I stumbled upon these Character Development Questions. One that struck me that a few of my main characters from Fractured Princess could answer was: What facts about your characters do they prefer to keep hidden?

Let's start with Ghuli and see how far we get.

Oh, my. Well . . . There is a part of me that I have unfortunately kept hidden even from myself. To explain how I've done it will be a very long story. Just know that deep within me lies a fearsome temper. I wish it were blind, blackout anger, but it is an anger throughout which I am always conscious, therefore I always remember. While it is rare for anything to anger me so strongly, when it happens, it is quite disastrous.

----

I hope I created a bit of mystery.

This is as far as I'm getting today (the evening before this is posted). I just finished the Once Upon A Time season finale and learned Jennifer, Ginnifer, Josh, et freaking al aren't returning for the seventh season, so I'm beside myself. I also have to rewatch because I wasn't paying attention to the little girl in the Enchanted Forest. *sigh*

Tuesday Tales: Character Tats!

It feels like it's been ages since an actual Tuesday Tales. I've been using Gotham's Character Questionnaire for several of these, and a question about scars made me think of Cyan. So, we're catching Brodie to tell us about their tattoos!

Brodie: You know, I often forget I have one, honestly. It's a tattoo of my eagle, the messenger falcon my sisters gifted me when he was still in his egg. It goes across my shoulder blades. I suppose it's because none of my siblings have any tattoos, but I was unaware that placement matters, pain-wise. A tattoo carved into the skin above your bones is highly unpleasant.

Cyan's tattoo is Trollic tradition, a commemoration of his first battle wound. A wild elk charged Ghuli* when she was little, and he fought it off. The location of the tattoo shows where he was injured--the elk bit into his neck and gored his arm with its antlers. It is also designed in the shape of antlers because of the elk. He was the youngest hulktroll to receive a battle tattoo.
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I might actually draw Brodie's tattoo. It never crossed my mind to. I think I can draw an eagle...? lol Are any of you inked up? I have my zodiac constellation on my ribs (which was torture).






*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Tuesday Tales on a Thursday: Cyan Takes Over

So, this is confusing.

I wanted to move Tuesday Tales to Thursday, but I decided not to. One, I'm too lazy to try to redo the logo. Two, I like the alliteration, and even though I know it will change eventually whenever I start working full force on my next project outside of the Fractured Princess, I want to hold onto it for as long as possible.

But, I did want to stop in to see what else Cyan likes to do with his time when he's not chasing Ghuli* around the forest, and he's willing to talk for once! So, welcome back, Cyan!

Thank you.

Well, I have said before that I love to read. I like history. The races on Teorre are very different from each other, so reading about them has also helped me adjust to the world around me. There is only one hulktroll to every twelve Sprites and ten Humans on the Isle Continent. Most have only moved here because they've wed a Sprite. I suppose the rest just like the Isle.

I also like photography. Sir Aleksandyr gave me an old camera for my tenth birthday, and when I have the time, I like to capture nature. Many outside of the Isle have never seen our willow trees, so perhaps one day I will display my photographs...I just need to build myself up to it.

...That's it.

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Ever the shy one, this Troll.

Next year, I should be back in full swing with my scheduled posts. Next Friday, I might even have a little feedback about that Final Fantasy XV game I've been raving about all month. Stay tuned!

Have a Happy Chanukah and a Merry Christmas!

*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Tuesday Tales: Brodie Explains Governments

Good morning.

I am here today to tell you a little about the governments on Teorre. As you may be aware already, we have three living races, and they all have different governmental systems. I will also divulge the history of the fourth, now defunct, as they are practically extinct.

I'll start with them, actually: the Crystal Bearers. They had the most simple of monarchies. Centuries ago, the people chose the most powerful to rule over them, and leadership was passed down by heir. If the king were to die, the oldest prince or princess became king or queen and so on. If the king had no children, the throne transferred to the next of kin.

The Sprites also have a monarchy, the current king being King Loren, Laris's father. Their system is slightly different than the Bearers' system in that the next heir is simply the next oldest of kin. If King Loren had a younger brother, he would be Prince and Laris Grand Duke. As King Loren had no siblings, Laris is next for the crown, then his brother, Grand Duke Ariel. This may also be why their monarchy is so laid back. There's no real pressure or need to fight over the throne.

The Trollics have an oligarchy and are run by The Council, 70 men and women chosen by their people to oversee the land. 12 of those are the High Council, and they often oversee the other 58. There is often a set time each Council member can sit, often 5 years, unless the people vote them back in for their good works. They can choose to leave at the end of the 5 years as well. Grey, Head of the Council, has been so for three terms now. He is well known for securing peace between Trollics and Sprites after centuries of war by marrying a Sprityn nursemaid.

The Humans and any of the other two races who live on the Life Continent have a slightly similar government but with more leaders based on region. Their leaders have a smaller group of leaders over them, and those have one more smaller group over them. This is called The Parliament. They essentially make the decisions based on the majority votes beneath them, for a 3-tiered system delegated by the people. It is very rare they go against the votes, but if any tier has an objection, there is a long and lengthy process to decide what is best for the continent. They also have a set term: 4 years for up to 3 consecutive terms, but they may also petition to serve again after 2 consecutive terms as a normal citizen or in a lower tier. That may seem confusing, but they must hold a lower seat of power for a time. If they are not elected to a lower tier after their 3 terms, then they return to normal citizenry.

And so, there you have it. I hope this information is useful to you in some way.

_____________________________________________

Thanks for the information, Brodie!

Please exercise your right to vote today!

Tuesday Tales: Homelands with Andyrsn

Happy Tuesday!

Journeying through the minds of my characters, I've found Writeworld, a site filled with lists of character questions. Using one of the roleplay lists, let's see what my characters remember or know of their homelands. We haven't heard from Andyrsn in a while, so let's start with him.

Where is your homeland?

What are its people like?

Did you miss me?

I was born on Viveno Island. It's just off the southeast coast of the Life Continent. It's always warm there, and it's surrounded by beaches on every side, so there's a lot of surfing and fishing throughout the day. We have some fun tournaments, too. There's the baobab tree race, where we see who can climb up and get the most baobabs the fastest. Obviously, we have surfing tournaments--what good beach bums don't? The kids do sand castle contests. Everyone's laid back and friendly. We're all pretty low maintenance. You get the occasional angry old man, but that can't be helped.

How about you guys?

(Hey, come back. What's a baobab?)

Huh? Man, you guys don't have those?

(Not in our country.)

Oh, man. Well, so, they're this really popular fruit on my island. The outside is fuzzy and kinda yellow. When you crack it open, you've got a bunch of tough red fibers covering up the good stuff. The pulp is dry and can be eaten straight or ground into a powder and put in just about everything. I know some ladies who even use the oil from the tree in their hair.

(That's how I use it!)

Nice! The trees they come from are fat and tall with short branches hanging around the top, so everyone has to climb to get the fruit. Hope you get to taste it one day!

(Thanks for coming back!)

No problem!

Tuesday Tales: Worst Qualities

I'm back with another question for one of my characters! This past week has been quite wild for me, and as I schedule these posts, I'm barely awake (it's barely 10pm), so I hope to get this done so you'll be looking at it in the morning!

This time around, I used Writeworld to find a question for my main character Ghuli*. There are some great questions there, so I chose one that struck me as a good one for Ghuli to answer.


7. What does your character think is his or her worst quality?

Hello again.

My worst quality? Oh my. Well, to be honest, I am a bit impulsive. If I want to do something or go somewhere, I tend to follow my feelings. I am certain this frustrates Cyan, howbeit. In fact, I know it does. I would also say at times, I am clumsy, and to be both impulsive and clumsy is not the best of things. Cyan has had to patch me up many times after falling from the trees around our home.

(Let me sneak question 8 into this as well: What do other people think your character’s worst quality is?) Cyan?

Well, what did she say?

The clumsiness I could deal with. The impulsiveness is indeed the problem, especially when you tie it in with her affinity for not listening. I will give her an order, and she follows it for, perhaps, two minutes. The next thing I know, she's out of range of earshot, getting herself tangled in willow switches or limping back home because a branch gave way. 'Tis exhausting beyond measure. I imagine it will get better as she gets older. One can only hope.

------------

Poor Cyan. My worst quality is that I get angry or annoyed really quickly. What's yours?




*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Final Friday: Express Yourself & Fast Five Questions

I can't believe it's already the last Friday in September! And with my new schedule that means it's time for some questions from Dani and Jackie! Feel free to join in on these. I'm answering a bunch of questions.

 

September 5-9: My spirit cartoons are definitely Jane from Daria and Ruby from Steven Universe.

September 12-16: I would lose smell, because mine is already not that great. I won't miss it.

September 19-23: Oh God. Um...1. my sister. 2. Chris Pine and Tom Hardy (giggle) 3. a pizza, The Game of Life, and a stereo

September 26-30: That's blasphemy.

 

I'll just answer a couple of these:

Sept 2 - List your top 5 beverages.

Dr. Pepper

Caramel Macchiato

Caramel Frappuccino

Rum & Coke

Margarita

Sept 23 - Top 5 music artists you're attracted to.

James Bay

Chris Stapleton

Blake Shelton

Adam Levine

Tyrese

Tuesday Tales: Around the House with Laris

All righty, I am back and on my new blogging schedule. The first and third Tuesday after IWSG Wednesday, I am bringing you all into Teorre, the world of my manuscript, now titled Fractured Princess!

Quick summary: I did a Twitter poll, and the people loved it. I knew I should have renamed my manuscript that, but for some reason, I listened to my sister and didn't for a couple of years. In fact, Fractured Princess was the title I had in place for the sequel, so I didn't want to give it up for a reason.

But anyway, using the Gotham Character Questionnaire, I've been asking my characters the following question. The last one was quite some time ago it feels, but I never got around to Laris, and I want to know what he has to say about it. So, let's see.

What is in your character's refrigerator right now? On [his] bedroom floor? On [his] nightstand? In [his] garbage can?

Oh my. Well, I suppose I must answer, but 'tis a tad embarrassing. Though I am a prince, do not let that fool you. I am quite messy. The refrigerator is not my doing, howbeit. The nursemaids have a lot of mouths to feed in the manor, and thus you cannot see the bottom for all of the meats and bags of sheep's milk and broths. The primary cuisine of the northern regions of the Isle Continent are stews, and Ghulien* eats quite often. This order shall last us nearly...nine days.

My room is indeed my doing. I have a habit of disrobing and leaving my clothes where I stood. I know Cyan believes clean floors make for a living watch--is that how he says it? Howbeit, I am half his size and a Sprite; therefore I am much nimbler than he. I can easily step over my things and get to my door in less than four seconds. I stack my practice bolts in my window sill. A bird flew in earlier and knocked them over, thus half of those now reside on my floor. Ghuli is currently laughing at my room for attracting animals.

My nightstand and trash bin may be the cleaner portions of my room.  A picture of my wife sits atop a stack of letters from her and my son. They are all that occupy my nightstand. I just emptied my trash of broken bolts and...feathers. My lady is quite literally in tears laughing at me now.



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*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Tuesday Tales: Around the House with Cyan

Let me try to get this out really quickly. I need to remember to schedule these Monday night, but I decided to look at my mom, then watch Too Close to Home lol.

Using the Gotham Character Questionnaire, I've been asking my characters the following question, which I will now ask Cyan.

What is in your character's refrigerator right now? On [his] bedroom floor? On [his] nightstand? In [his] garbage can?

We now have only half as many pounds of elk's meat that Ghuli* mentioned before. The seaduck is also gone. She's tiny, but she eats about as much as I do. We still have a bushel of apples and some sweet leaves left. The nursemaids will replenish our stock in a day or so. There is enough sheep's milk for another Athwart Stew, howbeit, so I shouldn't hear much from Ghuli...Shouldn't.

Sir Aleksandyr used to tell me a spotless floor made for a living watch, so I have nothing on it. As Ghuli is still alive, I will not apologize.

On my nighstand is a wrinkled photograph of my parents. I look like my dad, but his eyes are dark brown. My mom had blue eyes. I don't remember much of them, but this photograph helps me at times. There is also a small vial of white paint, as well as some paint splatters. Ghuli was painting a wooden doll or something of that sort in here.

My garbage can is a bit of an embarrassment. I oft forget to change it. 'Tis currently filled with a number of bandages--Ghuli almost always damages herself falling from trees--apple cores, a pair of my old boots, and an old t-shirt I believe Ghuli used to "protect" my nightstand while she was painting on it. Why I let her do these things I will never know.







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*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Tuesday Tales: Around the House with Brodie

Howdy!

I forgot I was in the middle of a question before I asked a different question last week. Using the Gotham Character Questionnaire, I asked Ghuli* and Andyrsn what was around their homes, and now I'll ask Brodie.

What is in your character's refrigerator right now? On her bedroom floor? On her nightstand? In her garbage can?

Refrigerator...Oh. The others are so silly. An icebox. It refrigerates things. They didn't think about it. It is late Spring here, so I have a lot of white peaches I need to slice, capon, leafy greens, mushrooms. I have a little bit of cream. I should go get more. I also have marbled bread. It lasts longer when it is cold. Eastward is humid most of the time.

I have several shell casings on my bedroom floor, and a pile of gun cloths I keep forgetting to pick up. I am just so sleepy when I return from practicing, and when I wake up, I have to be in the temple. Blah.

A picture of my parents is on my nightstand...I also have small hair bands and pins, and a sketch my eldest sister drew me when I was younger. It is of the Northern Crystal Palace. She composed it from a group of old photographs in my mother's belongings.

I just emptied my garbage, but I believe it was nothing but ruined pages from my current history book. We had a heavy storm, and there was a leak in the roof the other night, right over my desk. I had two months of events I needed to record all over again. Fortunately, I have a photographic memory, but it was such a waste of time.









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*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Tuesday Tales: Hair & Eyes

Happy Tuesday!

Using the Gotham Character Questionnaire that I've been using the past couple of weeks, we're going to dive right in to this supposedly simple question: What is your character's hair color? Eye color?

Brodie: I believe our hair colors are pretty standard. Dark brown.

Andyrsn: Yeah, nothing out of the ordinary here, dark brown hair and eyes on me. Though we don't have a lot of redheads on the island, so Laris would get a lot of attention.

Laris: That is odd. Many Sprites from the trees and bays have red hair.

Ghuli*: I have always liked your eyes, Laris.

L: Why, thank you, my lady.

B: Sprites' eyes are unique. They are a rich, emerald green.

L: Scholars of old believed 'tis the color of the healing energy of Teorre, which we possess as Sprites. Thus, our eyes are this color.

A: You can tell who a lot of Brodie's family is by their eyes.

G: Brodie's eyes are a beautiful light brown, nearly golden.

L: You do have lovely eyes, Madame Brodie.

B: Thank you. Ghuli's eyes are an interesting shade of hazel. Crystal Bearers all had dark eyes and hair, even the fair ones. Ghuli may have the lightest of eye shades, even as dark as her eyes are.

A: Yeah, you don't notice they aren't brown unless you're really close enough...Which I try not to be. Cyan sees all.

G: Speaking of Cyan...

Cyan: I was hoping no one would bring me into this.

G: Stop it. It was tradition in Cyan's family to wait until their babies' eye colors developed to name them, and they would name them accordingly. Cyan's eyes are bright blue.

A: Paired with his pale hair and snow tan, they do stand out.

C: Stop looking at my eyes, Andyrsn.





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*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Tuesday Tales: Around the House with Andyrsn

Hello! I'm late, but work is hectic right now (I had wild dreams about putting together binders last night). I'm continuing with the Gotham Character questionnaire, and so today, we'll check with Andyrsn to see what all is in his house.

What is in your character's refrigerator right now? On [his] bedroom floor? On [his] nightstand? In [his] garbage can?

Hi again. Ghuli* said a refrigerator is an ice box, so on Viveno Island, we actually don't have those. We hunt and cook our foods fresh. About an hour or two is spent on this just before sunrise. We do have a bunch of fruit in a slotted crate, though.

On my bedroom floor right now are wet clothes I need to hang out to dry. My brothers, sis-in-law, and I just got back from surfing with the girls (my nieces). There's a box cutter on the floor, too. I always end up with one in here. They're supposed to stay at the storage market. Gotta take that back.

On my nightstand are a bunch of clay knick knacks the girls made me. I have a box of those in the corner. They always bring me back something from their crafts class. Persephone is a better sculptor, but Penelope paints better, so they make their trinkets together. Saves space at least.

In the trash are a bunch of bloody tissues and gauze. One of the waves took us all out, and our boards cut us up pretty bad on the crash. Good times.




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*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Tuesday Tales: Around the House with Ghuli*

*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*

Some time ago, I started a character Q&A for Tuesday Tales, and it continues to work pretty well for me. Last week, I accidentally said the question I found was from the Proust questionnaire. It was actually from the Gotham Character questionnaire, and so is this one! I actually think I'll be able to milk this one for a few weeks. Let's start with Ghuli.

What is in your character's refrigerator right now? On her bedroom floor? On her nightstand? In her garbage can?

What is in my what? ... Oh, an ice box? ... You have a strange name for it.

At the moment, there are several pounds of elk's meat and seaduck, sweet leaves, and apples in it for stews. I believe there is a bag of frozen sheep's milk. My nursemaids like to make Athwart Stew for me, and it needs cream instead of meat broth like the other stews.

I don't have much on my bedroom floor. Cyan would lecture me until it was bare. Howbeit, I do have a basket of my socks at the foot of my bed. I almost never wear them. Beneath my bed is a book which slipped there in my sleep.

On my nightstand are a pile of books I need to begin reading and a picture of Sir Aleksandyr, Cyan, and me. One of Cyan's nursemaids took it when I was a baby. There is also a wooden leonine half-painted white. I will finish it soon.

My wastebasket is officially used for the clothes I tear among the trees. I mend them when it is full, or when I tear my favorite pieces. My favorite sweater is in there now, so I will be mending it before bed tonight, or I won't be able to sleep.

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(My room and my fridge are constantly a mess, so...lol.)

Tuesday Tales: Finding a Happy Place

Hey, it's my birthday!!

But blogs need to be posted, so away I go (I've scheduled this anyway).

Some time ago, I opened up the floor for readers to ask questions of my characters. I ran out of them, and so I found a website filled with questions from the Gotham Character Course called The Writer's Toolbox. Interesting questions, so I thought I would start with this one: Where [do you go when you are] angry?

Who wants to answer?

Cyan: ...Why are you looking at me?

Brodie: I was wondering if you do go anywhere. You always seem angry.

Ghuli*: I used to lock myself in my room and throw my pillows about. It did nothing but exhaust me, and I would fall asleep.

Brodie: I like to go out and shoot at painted targets. It helps curb my need to shoot the real ones.

Cyan: I am not always angry, thank you.

Brodie: Did what I said anger you, Cyan?

Ghuli: Cyan has a short temper, but it's short-lived as well. His general disposition is more...frustrated than angry.

Cyan: I can answer for myself...'Tis a little embarrassing, howbeit...I sit in the corner.

Ghuli: When we were younger, Sir Aleksandyr used to make me leave the room when he did that...I suppose it was because I was usually to blame.

Cyan: This is true, but I sat in corners before you were of walking age. It has always helped me clear my head and calm down.

Brodie: ...Is that why you were sitting there the other day?

Cyan: You were why I was sitting there the other day.
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They're quite a pair.



*This post occurred before I changed Ghuli's name to Jonnie*